Taking a bit of time off sometimes is necessary for rest, recovery, and maintaining a work-life balance, but some people just can’t seem to unplug from their jobs.
They carry over days, leave holiday time unused, and keep their noses to the grindstone while everyone else is sipping cocktails by the pool. If you’re one of these people—or know someone who is—you might recognise some of the common traits they share. Use your holiday, people! You’re given it for a reason, and you won’t be thought any better of for making yourself a martyr!
1. They’re perfectionists.
People who don’t take their full holidays often hold themselves to impossibly high standards. They worry that stepping away will lead to mistakes or missed deadlines, so they stay glued to their desks. For them, perfection is the priority—even at the expense of their own rest.
2. They feel indispensable.
These people believe the workplace will fall apart without them. Whether it’s due to pride, pressure, or habit, they see themselves as the glue holding everything together. Taking time off feels risky, as though everything they’ve built might crumble in their absence.
3. They’re loyal to a fault.
Workplace loyalty is admirable, but some take it to extremes. They prioritise their job over their own well-being, believing their dedication will be noticed or rewarded. Ironically, this mindset can lead to burnout, reducing their effectiveness in the long run.
4. They struggle with delegation.
Trusting other people to take over while they’re away is a huge challenge for people who skip holidays. They might feel that no one else can do the job as well as they can, so they stay put, ensuring everything gets done “right.”
5. They tie their self-worth to productivity.
For some, productivity isn’t just about work—it’s about identity. They feel valuable when they’re busy and worry that taking a break might make them look lazy or unmotivated. Their reluctance to rest stems from a belief that their worth is tied to how much they achieve.
6. They’re afraid of falling behind.
The thought of returning to a mountain of unread emails and unfinished tasks is enough to keep these people at their desks. They’d rather push through than deal with the stress of catching up after a holiday.
7. They work in high-pressure environments.
In demanding workplaces, people often feel they can’t afford to take time off. The culture might glorify overwork or subtly discourage holidays, making employees feel guilty for even considering a break. These environments breed an “always-on” mentality.
8. They crave control.
Taking time off means relinquishing control, and that’s a hard pill to swallow for some. They worry that projects won’t be handled the way they like, or that decisions will be made without their input, so they stay firmly in the driver’s seat.
9. They’re overly competitive.
For competitive people, the idea of being “out of the loop” while colleagues push ahead can be unbearable. They’re scared of falling behind in the race for promotions, raises, or recognition, so they keep grinding away while everyone else relaxes. What a miserable way to live!
10. They have trouble switching off.
Even when they do take time off, their mind stays firmly at work. They’re the ones checking emails on holiday, taking “just a quick call,” or mentally running through their to-do list. This inability to disconnect makes taking holidays feel pointless.
11. They value appearances.
For some, taking all their holiday days feels like it sends the wrong message. They want to appear dedicated, hard-working, and irreplaceable, so they avoid taking too much time off—even if they really need it.
12. They genuinely love their work.
It’s not always about stress or obligation—some people just enjoy what they do. They find fulfilment and purpose in their jobs, so the idea of taking a holiday feels less appealing. For them, work isn’t just a pay cheque; it’s a passion.
13. They underestimate the importance of rest.
These people may not fully grasp how crucial downtime is for mental and physical health. They see holidays as optional luxuries rather than necessary resets, so they keep pushing through, not realising the toll it’s taking on their well-being.
14. They have an “I’ll rest later” mentality.
For some, the plan is always to rest “when things slow down.” But, of course, work rarely slows down, and that elusive break keeps getting pushed further into the future. They promise themselves they’ll take a holiday eventually, but somehow, it never happens.
